1942.04.28 “’New’ Powers”
by Ralph Lee (1906-1947)
14 x 23 in., ink on board
Coppola Collection
Ralph Lee was an editorial cartoonist for the Portland Oregonian. He died suddenly, at 41, in January 1947. His cousin, Art Bimrose, was the editorial cartoonist for the Oregonian for more than three decades. In 1937, the Oregonian hired him part-time to work on printing plates. Following Lee’s death, Bimrose was hired as the Sunday editorial cartoonist.
Headline from the West Australian, April 28, 1942.
Hitler’s Power.
“Supreme Law Lord.”
A New Decree. All Rights Abrogated.
Most of the Press comment on Hitler’s Reichstag speech refers to the demands of the Fuehrer for complete subservience of the German people, and the powers conferred upon him in the resolution carried by the Reichstag.
“I demand that the whole nation give me power wherever necessary to act as I think fit,” said Hitler. “Germany and Germans must serve only one purpose – victory. No one at such a time is entitled to talk about his rights. Only duties exist today. I ask for the legal right to compel everyone to fulfil his duty and he does not carry out his duty to dismiss him., irrespective of who he is or what acquired rights he may possess. I expect German justice to understand that the nation does not exist for the convenience of that justice, but that justice exists to serve the nation. Judges not recognizing the demands of the hour will be removed from office.”
Goering announced that Hitler had assumed a new title, “Supreme War Lord.”
